Explore the culture capital of Karnataka or make it your base for some astounding wildlife tours...

Overview

How would you like some royal treatment while spending your vacation in a palace in the city of palaces? If so, head to The Green Hotel in Mysore. The Chittaranjan Palace, which was built for Wodeyar princesses in the early twentieth century, has now been converted into a model of responsible tourism. With majestic trees, lush gardens, a well-stocked bar, quaint rooms steeped in old-world charm and hospitable staff, you can simply relax and go in for yoga sessions, explore the culture capital of Karnataka or make it your base for some astounding wildlife tours in Bandipur and Ranganathittu as you soak in nature’s beauty.

What we've planned for you...

Mysore is known as the city of palaces. You can begin from the Mysore Palace, which is known for its beautiful Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The rulers of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled Mysore for five centuries from 1399 to 1947, built the first palace in the 14th century. Every Sunday at 7 pm, the palace is illuminated, creating a grand spectacle for the audience. The three-storied Jaganmohan Palace, which has been converted into the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, is well worth a visit. The gallery is almost a hundred years old and houses a remarkable collection of Dutch painter Rembrandt as well as our very own Raja Ravi Verma's paintings. There are several beautiful temples around Mysore, with the 12th century Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills topping the list.

The Mysore Zoo, the bazaar – where you can shop for silk sarees – and the city’s famous railway museum are on the list of most tourists. The Regional Museum of Natural History and the Folk Lore Museum are interesting too. The Mysore Silk Factory and the Brindavan Gardens about half an hour’s drive from Mysore are an added attraction. If you enjoy craft, then head to Channapatna for the day, to learn about how wood is lacquered and made into beautiful toys. History buffs can plan a day’s trip to Srirangapatnam, where you can visit the summer palace of Tipu Sultan. The Kaveri flows by the fort and provides a perfect picnic spot.

The Hoysala temples at Halebid and Hasan are also an artistic wonder. Built in the 12th century, the Hoysaleshvara temple in Halebid and the Chennakeshvara temple in Belur are famous for their exquisite sculptures. The Somnathpur temple is also exquisite. At Melkote, an hour and a half from Mysore is a temple town that also serves as a picnic spot. Explore the thousand-year-old temple here and enjoy the lovely ponds before you sit down for a sumptuous picnic hamper from The Green Hotel. For wildlife enthusiasts, Bandipur is the place to be. There are elephant safaris, bird watching, game spotting, hunting for tigers with your cameras and much more. If bird watching is your favourite pastime, don’t miss out on Ranganathittu, especially if you visit during the winter season.

When...

Mysore is a round-the-year destination. Carry an umbrella if you plan to go between June and September when the monsoons set in.

Tongue Teasers…

Mysore is famous for its coffee – remember to ask for it South Indian style – strong and milky. The food at The Green Hotel is popular and you will find families from Mysore coming in for dinner. What might surprise you though is the Coffee Shop with its bright and cheerful staff serving fresh croissants, cakes and pastries baked in house. Seriously, forget that diet while you are there!

Bunk in...

Built in the early 20th century, The Green Hotel was once a palace built for two Wodeyar princesses. The Chittaranjan Palace, as it was called, has been revamped into a green hotel, ecologically sustainable, comfortable and charming. You can choose from the five palace rooms named Princess’ Room, Rose Room, the Marigold Suite, the Honeymoon Suite and the Writer’s Room. There are the Bollywood deluxe and smaller Bollywood rooms on the ground floor of the palace. While there are 12 travellers’ rooms, they are simple and nice. In all there are 14 Travellers Rooms, 4 Suite Rooms, 4 Deluxe Rooms and 2 Semi-Deluxe Rooms. None of the rooms have air conditioning, televisions or generators. The pleasant-all-year-round weather makes up for the absence of air conditioners.

Bunk in...

Built in the early 20th century, The Green Hotel was once a palace built for two Wodeyar princesses. The Chittaranjan Palace, as it was called, has been revamped into a green hotel, ecologically sustainable, comfortable and charming. You can choose from the five palace rooms named Princess’ Room, Rose Room, the Marigold Suite, the Honeymoon Suite and the Writer’s Room. There are the Bollywood deluxe and smaller Bollywood rooms on the ground floor of the palace. While there are 12 travellers’ rooms, they are simple and nice. In all there are 14 Travellers Rooms, 4 Suite Rooms, 4 Deluxe Rooms and 2 Semi-Deluxe Rooms. None of the rooms have air conditioning, televisions or generators. The pleasant-all-year-round weather makes up for the absence of air conditioners.

How to get there?
Mysore is about 140km south-west of Bangalore. You can take a bus from Bangalore to Mysore or drive down. The three-hour drive is a pleasant experience. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is well connected by air and rail with most parts of the country. There are several trains to Mysore, as well. There is a new airport in Mysore that connects to the rest of India via Bangalore.

Memories you can take with you...

Holiday with a difference...

The Green Hotel has been set up as a model of sustainable tourism. All profits from running the hotel are distributed among environmental projects in India and different charities. The hotel was set up to preserve a historic site. The old-world charm has been retained, adding to it an environment-friendly touch. The hotel, thus, has consciously done away with generators and air conditioners. The hotel has been furnished with local handicrafts and the staff maintains their local tradition when serving guests.

How Much?

Room

Single occupancy

Double occupancy

IN THE PALACE

Princess's Room

₹5,550

₹5,950

Rose Room

₹5,550

₹5,950

Large Bollywood

₹5,550

₹5,950

Maharani's Suite

₹6,250

₹6,750

Marigold Room

₹5,250

₹5,750

The Writers' Room

₹3,250

₹3,750

Small Bollywood

₹3,250

₹3,750

IN THE GARDEN

Traveller's Room

₹2,750

₹3,250

Semi-Deluxe Room

₹2,850

₹3,500

Deluxe Room

₹3,500

₹3,950

Suites

₹3,750

₹4,250

Extra bed policy & pricing - ₹ 800/-

*Prices valid up to 31st March 2012

*Prices do not include the local Tax (12%) & Service Tax (5.15%) on the above tariff.

Transfers - can be organized at an additional cost.

Meal prices approx. ₹600/- per day per person for typical local food.

Check-in and check-out time – 12 noon.

Payment Policy – 100% payment to confirm the booking.

Cancellation policy - 7 days: 90% refund, more than 72 hrs and less than 7 days - 50% refund, less than 72 hrs – no refund.

Guestspeak…

"We enjoyed our stay in the Green Hotel immensely. We loved the green natural and yet very clean surroundings, the fact that it was so large that the children could run around in safety. The grounds were also nice to walk around in for the adults. The rooms were large too, and did not feel cramped. The staff was excellent and very patient with all our different demands.

I think the only point that was missing was the food. I wish there was simpler south Indian food available too, since thats what we like and it cant be so difficult to offer a couple of courses. The north indian food is too heavy and spiced, specially in the hot weather. For vegetarians, you should have a simpler, lighter menu - maybe jain food or tamil food.

Thank you again for the memorable holiday."

Naga Nandini, Bangalore

At Mysore’s The Green Hotel, you don’t just relax, you live life king size, rather, princess size! The pleasure of living in a palace combined with the hospitality of the staff makes it a holiday that is sure to be cherished for a long time. The quaint town has the charm of R.K. Narayanan’s Malgudi Days in it. The secrets of the past entice you to the city of palaces. While the lazy walks through the bazaar may inspire you to pen a novel yourself, palace visits are bound to leave you awestruck. The beauty of nature, the pleasant weather and the promise of wildlife sightings at Bandipur paints a dream holiday. Enjoy The Green Hotel at leisure and you’ll keep coming back to Mysore for many more rejuvenating trips.

What is striking about The Green Hotel is the way the staff are trained. They provide service of a rare quality with a dignity seldom seen in ‘mere staff’. They are equally comfortable in tossing up a world class meal or taking care of your kids (do I see parents rush to make that booking?).